Part for adjusting a sports article

ABSTRACT

A rotatable adjustment part adapted to be affixed to a first component of a sports article. The adjustment part comprises a groove for receiving a portion of a retaining wall associated with the sports article so as to keep the tightening part on the retaining wall, when the tightening part is separated from the first component of the sports article.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon French Patent Application No. 12/00223, filed Jan. 25, 2012, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety, and the priority of which is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a part for adjusting a sports article. Such a sports article may be a binding, or a device for retaining a foot or an article of footwear on a sports apparatus, such as a snowboard, a ski, a snowshoe, a roller skate.

2. Background Information

Typically, a snowboard binding comprises a base on which at least one linkage, or strap, for retaining or tightening a foot or an article footwear, or boot, is attached. A device of this type is described, for example, in EP 1 935 460-A (and family member U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,546-B2) and FR 2 820 049-A (and family member U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,211-B2). The retaining or tightening linkage/strap is generally divided into three portions, namely, a first portion connected to the base; a second portion, namely, a so-called covering portion for covering a portion of the foot; and a third portion, also connected to the base. The position of the covering portion is adjustable in relation to the first portion, as it is adjustable in relation to the third portion. These adjustments make it possible to correctly position the covering portion, which is adapted to be in contact with the foot or boot of the rider. This correct positioning makes it comfortable to wear the boot. The first positional adjustment for the second portion, in relation to the first portion, involves a ratchet mechanism. During use, this is the area in which the linkage opens whenever the user wishes to insert or remove the boot into/from the binding. The first adjustment mechanism should therefore be strong and easy to operate. It is quite complex and expensive. Conversely, the second positional adjustment for the second portion, in relation to the third portion, generally does not change much during use. The adjustment is made once to adapt to the boot. The second adjustment mechanism should be reliable but can be simplified to be less expensive. An embodiment of the second adjustment mechanism involves using a screw that is fixed on the covering portion and passes through the third portion. This embodiment is very simple and inexpensive but has a drawback that the screw, once disengaged, may be dropped and lost. Indeed, due to its small size and the external environment, it can be difficult to find the screw. For example, it could be buried in the snow.

SUMMARY

The invention overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and is directed to an adjustment part that is easy to find.

According to the invention the adjustment part is maintained close to its location during use.

In addition, the adjustment part of the invention is easy to assemble to the sports article, such as a snowboard.

The invention provides a rotatable adjustment part adapted to be affixed to a first component of a sports article.

The adjustment part comprises a groove for receiving a portion of a retaining wall associated with the sports article so as to maintain the tightening part on the retaining wall, when the tightening part is separated from the first component of the sports article.

Thus, the adjustment part is always connected to the sports article and cannot be lost, even when completely loosened. It is no longer necessary to risk losing and then needing to retrieve the part.

According to advantageous but not essential aspects of the invention, an adjustment part of the aforementioned type may incorporate one or more of the following characteristics, taken in any technically acceptable combination:

-   -   The adjustment part is adapted to enable a second indexing         device for a second component of the sports article to cooperate         with a first indexing device associated with the first component         of the sports article.     -   The adjustment part is adapted to exert a force on the second         component of the sports article so as to bring it closer to the         first component of the sports article.     -   The retaining wall is affixed to the first component of the         sports article.     -   The retaining wall is flexible.     -   The groove of the adjustment part is edged with by a collar         provided with a slit to facilitate the positioning of the         adjustment part on the retaining wall. Advantageously, the slit         is inclined at an angle in relation to a plane perpendicular to         the axis of rotation of the adjustment part.     -   The adjustment part includes a threaded rod capable of         cooperating with the threads of a nut affixed to the first         component of the sports article.

The invention also relates to a gliding board binding provided with the adjustment part, and to a gliding board equipped with such a binding.

DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the description which follows, with reference to the annexed drawings illustrating, by way of non-limiting embodiments, how the invention can be carried out, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a ¾ perspective front view of a snowboard binding provided with an adjustment part according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of elements of a mechanism for adjusting the binding of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a ¾ perspective rear view of the binding of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross section along the line IV-IV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the adjustment part alone; and

FIG. 6 is a side view of the adjustment part illustrating the positioning on an element of the binding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the illustrated embodiments relate to a device for retaining a foot, or an article of footwear such as a boot, on a sports apparatus, they also apply to other articles as mentioned above. The term “boot” is used herein for convenience, but is not to be considered limiting to a particular type of footwear, nor to exclude the use of merely the rider's foot.

An embodiment of the invention is shown with reference to FIGS. 1-4.

As shown in FIG. 1, a sports article 1 or retaining device enables a boot, not shown, to be temporarily retained on an apparatus, not shown. The apparatus can be a snowboard, for example. The common retaining device or binding to which the invention applies is described in particular in the aforementioned patent documents, i.e., EP 1 935 460-A, U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,546-B2, FR 2 820 049, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,211-B2.

In the following description, the terms “inward” and “inner” refer to an orientation toward or in contact with the boot, while the terms “outward” or “outer” refer to an orientation away from or without contact with the boot.

In a known manner, the retaining device 1 comprises a base 2 adapted to be affixed to the board.

The base 2 is transversely bordered with a lateral flange 21 and a medial flange 22. Each flange 21, 22 is an element which forms a lateral or medial portion, respectively, of the device 1 to demarcate a zone 23 for receiving the boot. When the boot is positioned on the device 1, the flanges 21, 22 extend along respective ones of the sides of the sole.

The device 1 also comprises a rear support element 3, or highback, enabling the user to be rearwardly supported at the lower leg.

The device 1 also comprises two linkages 4, 5, or straps, for removably retaining the boot on the base 2, between the flanges 21, 22, in the receiving zone 23.

A first linkage 4 is located toward the front, in the area of the metatarsophalangeal joint when the boot/foot is retained in the device 1. A second linkage 5 is located rearward of the first linkage, in the area of the instep when the boot/foot is retained.

Each of the linkages 4, 5 extends transversely between the flanges 21, 22.

The invention relates primarily to the second linkage 5, which is described below. The invention could also be applied to the first linkage 4.

With particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the linkage 5 includes a first portion 51, a second portion 52, so-called covering portion, and a third portion 53. The assembly formed by the second 52 and third 53 portions defines a section 54.

The first portion 51 extends longitudinally between a fastening end 51.1 and a free end 51.2. The fastening end 51.1 is affixed to the lateral flange 21, for example, by means of a pivot or articulation 51.3. The term “pivot” is used for convenience herein and is not considered to be limiting regarding a particular articulation. The hinge 51.3 may comprise any element, such as a screw, a bolt/nut, a rivet, or other such mechanical element or assembly.

The second portion 52, or covering portion, extends along its length from a first end 52.1 to a second end 52.2, transversely from a first edge 52.3 to a second edge 52.4, and thickness-wise from a support surface 52.5 to a free surface 52.6. The support surface 52.5 is adapted to press against the rider's foot or boot. In addition, as can be seen in the drawing figures, the length of the portions of the linkage/strap extends across or transversely in relation to the longitudinal direction of the retaining device 1.

With particular reference to FIG. 2, the covering portion 52 comprises a frame 52.7, which is substantially lengthwise inextensible to provide a stable tightening of the foot or boot, and it is also transversely, or widthwise, flexible so as to make it possible to adapt it to the shape or surface(s) of the foot or boot. As shown in FIG. 4, the frame 52.7 is partially coated with a foam 52.8, at least in the area of the support surface 52.5 in order to provide comfort to the rider. The frame 52.7 and foam 52.8 are inserted into a cover 52.9. (See FIGS. 2-4.)

The third portion 53 extends along its length between a fastening end 53.1 and a free end 53.2. The fastening end 53.1 is affixed to the medial flange 22, for example, by means of a pivot or articulation 53.3. Here again, the pivot 53.3 may include any element, such as a screw, a bolt/nut, a rivet, or other such mechanical element or assembly.

The first 51 and second 52 portions are removably connected, i.e., they are readily separable.

The second 52 and third 53 portions are connected so as to form a section 54 having a length that does not vary much during use, except for adjusting the linkage/strap 5 to the footwear. The purpose of this adjustment is to properly balance the position of the second portion 52 in the area of the instep.

In this embodiment, the connection between the first 51 and second 52 portions is carried out by a tightening ratchet mechanism 52.10. This mechanism 52.10 is affixed to the frame 52.7, in the area of the second end 52.1 of the second portion 52. The first portion 51 comprises a series of teeth 51.4 oriented outward. These teeth 51.4 are spread from the free end 51.2 to the vicinity of the hinge 51.3. The teeth 51.4 cooperate with the ratchet to block the linkage/strap 5 at a predetermined tightening length. The free end 51.2 of the first portion 51 passes above or through a tunnel or passageway of the second portion 52.

The section 54 is adjustable lengthwise to adjust the positioning of the second portion 52. For this, the adjustment is carried out by means of the following elements.

The third portion 53, forming a tongue, comprises a series of inwardly projecting teeth 53.4 (see FIG. 4) and a longitudinal groove 53.5 (see FIGS. 1 and 4) centered along the tongue. The teeth 53.4 are spread from the free end 53.2 to the vicinity of the hinge 53.3. The longitudinal groove 53.5 extends over a similar length.

The end 52.2 of the second portion 52 is also fitted. A nut 52.11 is fixed on the frame 52.7 so that its axis of revolution X11 passes through the median and transverse planes of the second portion 52. Two studs 52.71, 52.72 extend outward along a longitudinal direction, on both sides of the nut 52.11. The two studs 52.71, 52.72 are structured and arranged to be housed in the longitudinal groove 53.5 so as to position and translationally guide the third portion 53 with respect to the second portion 52. Moreover, a series of teeth 52.73, outwardly projecting, are spread on both side of a zone including the two studs 52.71, 52.72, along a transverse direction. The teeth 52.73 are sized to cooperate with the teeth 53.4 of the third portion 53, when the third portion 53 is brought closer to the second portion 52, thereby immobilizing the third portion 53 with respect to the second portion 52.

Finally, an adjustment part 6, or manipulatable part, rotatable about an axis X6, comprises a threaded rod 6.1 centered on that axis. The threaded rod 6.1 is structured and arranged to engage the nut 52.11 and to pass through the longitudinal groove 53.5. The adjustment part 6 comprises an interface 6.2 structured and arranged for engagement and manipulation by a user, such as the rider. The adjustment part 6 also comprises a lower pressing surface 6.3, perpendicular to the axis X6 and positioned at the base of the threaded rod 6.1. The pressing surface 6.3 is wider than the width of the longitudinal groove 53.5. In the illustrated embodiment, the threaded rod 6.1, the pressing surface 6.3, in conjunction with the nut 52.11 can be regarded as a mechanism for enabling the teeth 53.4 of the third portion 53 to cooperate with the teeth 52.73 of the first portion 52 of the sports article 1.

Thus, the pressing surface 6.3 moves closer to the second portion 52 when the adjustment part 6 is screwed into the nut 52.11. The pressing surface 6.3 then comes into contact with an outer surface 53.6 of the tongue 53, i.e., the surface opposite the teeth 53.4. Consequently, as the adjustment part 6 is continued to be turned, the pressing surface 6.3 exerts a force on the third portion 53 that tends to bring it closer to the second portion 52. The teeth 53.4 then engage the teeth 52.73, thereby affixing the second 52 and third 53 portions forming the section 54.

The teeth 53.4 and 52.73 form indexing device in the context of the invention. Other indexing devices, such as one or more pins cooperating with a row of holes, are within the scope of the invention.

To adjust the length of the section 54, first the adjustment part 6 is unscrewed until the teeth 53.4 are no longer engaged with the teeth 52.73. Second, the second portion 52 is displaced in relation to the third portion 53 until the desired length for the section 54 is obtained. This displacement is guided by the studs 52.71, 52.72 cooperating with the longitudinal groove 53.5. Third, the adjustment part 6 is again screwed so that the teeth 53.4 and 52.73 are again engaged.

During the first step, there is a risk of losing the adjustment part 6, if completely unscrewed. To overcome this drawback, the adjustment part 6 is connected to a retaining wall 7 affixed to the sports article. In this example, the retaining wall 7 is integral with the cover 52.9 covering the end 52.1 of the second portion 52, on the outer side.

To connect the adjustment part 6 to the retaining wall 7, the adjustment part 6 has a circular groove 6.4 for receiving a portion of a retaining wall 7. This groove is demarcated on one side by the manipulation interface 6.2 and, on the other side, by a collar 6.5, such as a collar having a disc shape. The threaded rod 6.1 projects from the collar 6.5. The pressing surface 6.3 is formed by the lower surface of the collar 6.5, on the side of the threaded rod 6.1.

The retaining wall 7 comprises a through opening 7.1, such as a circular opening, the diameter of which is substantially smaller than the diameter of the collar 6.5. Thus, when the adjustment part 6 is inserted through the opening 7.1 of the retaining wall 7, the circular edge 7.2 of the opening becomes housed in the circular groove 6.4. The adjustment part 6 is thus retained on the retaining wall 7 and cannot easily be dismounted.

Advantageously, the retaining wall 7 is arranged so as to place the adjustment part 6, when inserted into the retaining wall, in a position close to its location during use. This arrangement makes it possible to quickly fix the adjustment part. In this case, the adjustment part 6 is located in the vicinity of the end 52.2 of the portion 52, close to the nut 52.11.

Similarly, the retaining wall can form a tunnel through which a portion of the portion 53 passes. This tunnel makes it possible to guide the portion 53 translationally, and to keep it close to the second portion 52.

Several solutions are within the scope of the invention to facilitate the positioning of the adjustment part 6 on the retaining wall 7.

A first solution is to use a relatively flexible retaining wall 7. The retaining wall 7 can thus deform elastically to be able to pass above the collar 6.5 and return to engage in the circular groove 6.4. The more flexible the retaining wall 7, the less efficient the retention of the adjustment part 6 on the retaining wall 7 will be.

A second solution is to make the collar 6.5 more flexible, for example by using a flexible and/or suitably collar-shaped material. In this case, it is the collar that will become deformed. This solution is suitable if the wall is relatively rigid. Conversely, this solution is ill-suited to the previous embodiment because it weakens the pressing surface 6.3, which becomes deformed with the collar.

A third solution is to locally slit the collar 6.5. The slit 6.51 has a width “l” slightly greater than the thickness “e” of the wall 7. It extends from the periphery of the collar 6.5 to substantially the bottom of the circular groove 6.4. Thereafter, the engagement of a portion of the circular edge 7.2 of the opening 7.1 of the retaining wall 7 in the slit 6.51 makes it possible to guide the remainder of the circular edge 7.2 in the groove 6.4. Indeed, a 360° rotation of the adjustment part 6 about its axis X6 automatically brings the entire circular edge 7.2 in the circular groove 6.4.

Advantageously, the slit 6.51 is inclined at an angle α in relation to a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation X6. In a particular embodiment, the angle α is equal to 45°+/−10°. The angle α makes it possible to form a ramp 6.52 within the slit 6.51. Consequently, when the adjustment part 6 is turned clockwise and a portion of the circular edge 7.2 is engaged in the slit, the ramp guides the circular edge 7.2 inward of the circular groove 6.4. The same principle can be applied to dismount the adjustment part 6 from the retaining wall 7, by turning the adjustment part 6 counterclockwise.

This third solution can advantageously be combined with a flexible retaining wall 7.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

It is in particular applicable to other embodiments for the lengthwise adjustment of the portion 54. For example, the third portion 53 can be a simple tongue provided with a row of holes aligned along a longitudinal median line. These holes are adapted to receive the threaded rod 6.1 of the adjustment part 6. Thus, the indexing device for positioning the second portion 52 in relation to the third portion 53 are formed by these holes and the threaded rod.

The invention can also apply to an element for adjusting the abutment of a rear support element, or highback, such as described, for example, in EP-A-1 108 450 and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,533,295-B2, the disclosure of the latter being hereby incorporated by reference thereto in its entirety.

The scope of the invention also encompasses a part for adjusting a ski boot or a ski binding.

At least because the invention is disclosed herein in a manner that enables one to make and use it, by virtue of the disclosure of particular exemplary embodiments of the invention, the invention can be practiced in the absence of any additional element or additional structure that is not specifically disclosed herein. 

1. A rotatable adjustment part structured for being affixed to a first component of a sports article, said rotatable adjustment part comprising: a structure to extend through a retaining wall of the sports article for rotation in relation to the retaining wall; structural surfaces defining a groove having a shape to receive a portion of a retaining wall of the sports article to retain the adjustment part from separation from the retaining wall when the adjustment part is separated from the first component of the sports article.
 2. A rotatable adjustment part according to claim 1, further comprising: a mechanism structured and arranged to enable a second indexing device of a second component of the sports article cooperate with a first indexing device of the first component of the sports article.
 3. A rotatable adjustment part according to claim 1, further comprising: the mechanism comprises a surface structured and arranged to exert a force on the second component of the sports article to move the second component closer to the first component of the sports article.
 4. A rotatable adjustment part according to claim 3, wherein: the mechanism comprises: a threaded rod; and a threaded nut to be affixed to the first component of the sports article; the threaded rod cooperates with the threaded nut.
 5. A rotatable adjustment part according to claim 1, wherein: the retaining wall is affixed to the first component of the sports article.
 6. A rotatable adjustment part according to claim 1, wherein: the retaining wall is flexible.
 7. A rotatable adjustment part according to claim 1, wherein: the groove is bordered with a collar provided with a slit for facilitating positioning of the adjustment part on the retaining wall.
 8. A rotatable adjustment part according to claim 7, wherein: the slit is inclined at an angle in relation to a plane perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the adjustment part.
 9. A snowboard binding comprising: a linkage structured and arranged to extend over a boot of a rider, the linkage comprising a first component and a second component; a rotatable adjustment part affixed to the linkage first component of the linkage, said rotatable adjustment part comprising: a structure to extend through a retaining wall of the first component of the linkage for rotation in relation to the retaining wall; structural surfaces defining a groove having a shape to receive a portion of a retaining wall of the first component of the linkage to retain the adjustment part from separation from the retaining wall when the adjustment part is separated from the first component of the linkage. 